How to learn with Anki.
I did not know how to learn at school…
Taking notes, highlighting and doing a few past papers was enough for GCSE, it was unfortunately not the same at A level and definitely not at degree level.
Here are my tips to get ahead whether you are in seminars and want to be tested on your knowledge, in interviews or doing an exam. This is the system that allowed me to attain 100 percent in my most recent assessment.
Spaced repetition was devised by German psychologist Erman Ebbinghaus in 1880. He pioneered the experimental study of memory and is best known for his work on the “forgetting curve”. Practicing with nonsense syllabuls, he discovered that retention could be better if information was memorised just before the point of forgetting something. In his study in 1885, “On memory” Ebbinghaus memorised a list of items until perfect recall. He would then leave the list to a point where he could no longer recall any of its items. He then would relearn the list, and compare the new learning curve to the learning curve of his previous memorisation of the list. The second list was generally memorised faster, and this difference between the two learning curves is what Ebbinghaus called "savings".
You can increase these “savings” if you remember just before you forget.
Paul Leitner in 1972 divised the Leitner system. The Leitner system is a efficient method of learning flashcards. If you take five stages and learn all the flashcards in the first stage you can put them in the second stage, third and so on.
If you forget (regardless of the stage) you put them back in the first stage.
What Anki does is combine both of these concepts. You can learn any thing from Mandarin, programming to the ratio decidendi of a case.
Anki is a powerful flashcard application that uses spaced repetition to help you memorise and learn information more effectively.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use Anki for learning:
1. Install Anki:
Download and install Anki on your computer or mobile device from the official website: Anki Download
https://apps.ankiweb.net
2. Understand the Basics:
Anki uses decks to organize your flashcards. A deck can contain multiple cards, and each card represents a single piece of information.
Cards have two sides: the front (question or prompt) and the back (answer or solution).
Decks can be shared between devices, allowing you to study on multiple platforms.
3. Create Your Own Cards:
Open Anki and create a new deck for the subject you want to study.
Add new cards to your deck, creating a question on the front and the answer on the back.
Make your questions clear and concise, focusing on key information.
For example here is my flashcard for constitutional law.
This is the most basic flashcard just to drill the basics of what was taught in my lecture.
It helps to add visual cues and sound if you are learning a language.
This is a French card, there is audio, IPA and a photo to help memorise the card more effectively.
4. Use Cloze Deletion for Details:
Cloze deletion is a feature in Anki where you can hide parts of a sentence or text, forcing you to recall the missing information.
To use cloze deletion, enclose the part you want to hide in double curly brackets, like this: {{clove deletion}}.
5. Leverage Images and Audio:
Anki supports multimedia. You can add images, audio, and even videos to your flashcards to enhance your learning experience.
Images can help you remember visual information, while audio can be useful for language learning or any subject that involves pronunciation.
6. Organize Your Cards:
Create tags to categorize your cards. This helps you focus on specific topics when studying.
Use hierarchical decks if you want to organize your content into subtopics.
7. Customize Review Settings:
Anki uses spaced repetition to show you cards at optimal intervals for memorization. Adjust the review settings according to your preferences and learning style.
Be consistent with your reviews to maximize the effectiveness of spaced repetition.
8. Sync Across Devices:
Create an AnkiWeb account and sync your decks. This way, you can study on different devices, and your progress will be saved.
In an age where we are all addicted to our phones, I recommend learning on the phone sometimes. Think of that 20/30 minutes when you are waiting around. Prime learning time!
9. Download Shared Decks:
Anki has a vast library of shared decks created by other users. You can download decks relevant to your studies.
Be cautious and review shared decks before using them, as the quality can vary.
To be fair I have only found a few good ones. With something like Law as it is specific and ever changing it is incredibly nuanced.
10. Regularly Review and Update:
Regularly review your cards to reinforce your memory.
Update your cards as needed, adding new information or clarifying concepts.
11. Join Anki Communities:
Join Anki communities and forums to exchange tips, find shared decks, and get advice from experienced users.
Remember that everyone's learning style is different, so adapt these tips to suit your needs. Consistency and active engagement with the material are key to success with Anki.
Languages
With regards to languages, I took a lot of inspiration form the book: "Fluent Forever: How to Learn Any Language Fast and Never Forget It" which is a language-learning book written by Gabriel Wyner. The book, published in 2014, outlines a comprehensive and effective approach to language learning, emphasising the use of modern technology and cognitive science principles to achieve fluency in a relatively short amount of time.
I think languages and Law go hand in hand. At the end of the day the legal sphere is deeply rooted in how you connect with others.
In the words of Nelson Mandela, "If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart." This sentiment encapsulates the essence of effective legal communication with a diverse clientele—it's about reaching not only the intellect but also the heart, forging connections that go beyond legal codes and statutes.
In embracing client diversity, lawyers are not just defenders of the law; they become ambassadors of understanding, compassion, and justice. The legal tapestry, woven with threads of diverse stories, becomes a testament to the inclusive spirit that elevates the practice of law to a higher, more heartfelt plane.
Here are some key points from "Fluent Forever":
Phonetic Training:
Wyner emphasizes the importance of mastering the sounds of a language early on. He suggests using resources like Forvo or Anki to practice pronunciation and build a strong foundation in the phonetics of the target language.
Spaced Repetition:
The book introduces the concept of spaced repetition, a technique that optimizes the timing of reviewing material to enhance long-term retention. Anki, a flashcard app that utilizes spaced repetition, is recommended for vocabulary acquisition.
Immersive Learning:
Wyner advocates for immersing oneself in the language as much as possible. This includes using native materials such as movies, books, and podcasts to develop an intuitive understanding of the language's structure and usage.
Creating Personalized Flashcards:
The author stresses the importance of creating personalized flashcards with images to associate with new vocabulary. The visual aspect aids memory and helps learners move beyond simple translation, encouraging thinking in the target language.
Grammar Learning:
"Fluent Forever" suggests a unique approach to learning grammar. Instead of focusing on explicit grammar rules, Wyner recommends acquiring an understanding of grammar through exposure and context, similar to how we naturally learn our first language.
Practical Techniques:
The book provides practical techniques for language learners, such as using mnemonic devices, breaking down complex words into smaller components, and building sentences from day one. These strategies aim to make language learning more efficient and enjoyable.
Personal Language Triggers:
Wyner introduces the concept of "language triggers," which are personal connections or emotional hooks that help reinforce vocabulary and phrases. Creating a strong emotional connection to the language can significantly enhance retention.
Anecdotes and Personal Experience:
Throughout the book, Wyner shares his personal experiences with language learning, making the content relatable. He emphasizes that anyone can learn a language and encourages readers to embrace their mistakes as part of the learning process.
"Fluent Forever" has gained popularity for its innovative approach to language learning and has inspired many learners to adopt more effective techniques in their language acquisition journey. The book is suitable for both beginners and those looking to refine their language-learning strategies. Keep in mind that individual language learners may find certain methods more effective than others, so flexibility and experimentation are encouraged.
There have also been some criticisms of fluent forever. While "Fluent Forever" by Gabriel Wyner has received praise for its innovative approach to language learning, it's not without its criticisms. It's essential to consider different perspectives and be aware of potential drawbacks associated with the methods outlined in the book. Some common criticisms include:
Time-Intensive Approach:
Some learners find Wyner's method to be time-consuming, especially the emphasis on creating personalized flashcards with images and focusing on pronunciation from the beginning. This can be perceived as requiring more effort than other language learning approaches.
Overemphasis on Phonetics:
Wyner places a significant emphasis on mastering pronunciation early in the learning process. While pronunciation is crucial for effective communication, some learners may feel that the book overly prioritizes this aspect, potentially at the expense of other language skills.
Not One-Size-Fits-All:
The book's approach may not suit everyone's learning style. Different learners have varying preferences, and what works well for one person may not work as effectively for another. Some individuals may find the suggested techniques too rigid or not aligned with their natural learning inclinations.
Limited Attention to Grammar:
"Fluent Forever" advocates for acquiring grammar through exposure rather than explicit learning. While immersion is a valuable aspect of language learning, some learners may feel that a more explicit understanding of grammar rules can aid in language comprehension.
Dependency on Technology:
The book heavily relies on the use of technology, particularly Anki, for spaced repetition and flashcard creation. Some learners may prefer more traditional methods or find technology-driven approaches less accessible or appealing.
Not Beginner-Friendly:
Some critics argue that Wyner's approach might be challenging for absolute beginners, particularly those who are new to language learning. The method assumes a level of familiarity with language acquisition concepts that may be intimidating for newcomers.
Lack of Cultural Emphasis:
"Fluent Forever" is primarily focused on language acquisition and pronunciation, with less emphasis on cultural aspects. Learning a language involves understanding its cultural context, and some learners may find this aspect somewhat lacking in the book.
High Initial Learning Curve:
The method outlined in the book might have a steeper initial learning curve compared to more traditional language learning approaches. Some learners may find it difficult to adapt to the suggested techniques, especially if they are accustomed to different methodologies.
It's important to note that these criticisms are not universally applicable, and the effectiveness of language learning methods can vary from person to person. Some learners may find great success with the "Fluent Forever" approach, while others may prefer a more traditional or eclectic approach to language learning. Ultimately, the best method is the one that aligns with your individual learning style and goals.
I do think it is time we start looking at automating flashcard creation… This is an idea I am focusing on and is coming soon.
